Rotunda Restaurant & Brewery
“Flavor and Family”
A restaurant, a brew pub, and a family foundation. The Rotunda brothers are never far from good food, great beer, and friendly faces around Annville and Hershey.
Brothers Mike, Dave, and Lou Rotunda are making their family proud one meal (and one craft beer) at a time. What started as a bottle shop business selling mismatched six-packs has grown into a thriving restaurant (Rotunda Restaurant & Brewery in Annville) and a lively brew pub (Rotunda Brew Pub in Hershey.)
Starting Small
In 2013, brewing operations started with a modest 10-gallon system for small batches. “Small batch” did not equal “small sales,” as lines would form at the door and 30-40 gallons of the latest brews would sell out within a few hours each Saturday morning.
In 2018, it was time to grow. Head brewer Eric Stubbs transferred his flavor design skills from the 10-gallon system to an expanded 7-barrel brewhouse. Shortly after the expansion, the brothers officially added their name to the businesses. Mike and Lou updated from the longtime Batdorf Restaurant to “Rotunda Restaurant & Brewery, and Dave updated Irv’s Pub on Chocolate Avenue to Rotunda Brew Pub.
Challenge Your Taste Buds
In the height of the craft beer boom, Hazy IPAs dominated the scene. The Rotundas felt like the craft beer industry was missing out on a key demographic – people who didn’t like the taste of beer but wanted to join their husbands, friends, or family members who did on their trips to the restaurant and brewery. And so, Beer NerRdZ was born. The sour series that taste like the popular candy quickly became popular with everyone – both the craft beer fans and those looking for a fun flavor without the typical hazy profile. And just like the early bottle shop days, you’ve got to be on your toes to get new releases of NeRdZ before they sell out.
Co-owner Mike Rotunda praises his brewer’s ability to create flavors that “challenge your taste buds.” Stubbs leans on methods learned during his time at the Culinary Institute of America, and his creative work on the sours and beers of all types keep customers happy and excited for the next release.
Piano Man. Family Man.
Most Friday nights, you’ll find the Rotunda bothers’ father Dale playing the piano at the Annville location. The tradition brings out family and friends and many familiar faces from the local community. Love the music? Raise a glass of “The Piano Man,” a pale ale named in Dale’s honor. Where the Annville location has a “local” feel, the Brew Pub in Hershey tends to see more traffic from out-of-town visitors taking in events and experiences across the town of Hershey.
Restaurant and Brew Pub
Both locations thrive on a dedication to fresh flavor and delicious food. On the craft beer side, guests will always find a selection of sours and standards. Seasonal brews, like a Vanilla Hazelnut Porter or Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Pale Ale, are always popular.
From the kitchen, prepare to be enticed by flavors inspired by Lupe Rotunda’s Mexican heritage. Southwestern themes are forefront in dishes like Chicken Enchiladas and Huevos Rancheros. The guacamole is made fresh daily.
Many dishes are infused with craft beer like the beef chili. Those popular sours are reduced in sauces for many of the desserts. Visiting for St. Patty’s Day? The Irish Slammer stout is a fan favorite that’s repurposed as an ingredient in – wait for it – CUPCAKES. Yep, we’ll see you in March!
No matter which location you visit, you’ll be met with a smile that upholds a tradition of local restauranteurs in the Rotunda family. From great-great-grandfather Louis Rotunda who operated the old Johnson’s Bar in Annville to Mike, Louis, and Dave who are making their mark today, the Rotundas have an open door and a seat at the bar for friends, family, and new faces.
